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and inthe over-all nucleur testing program for future tests, was the
establishment within the Special Weapons Center of the position of Deputy Commander for Overseas Tests.
Colonel William B. Kieffer, who was
relieved of duty as Special Weapons Center Deputy Commander, was assigned
to the previously unfilled position on 15 July 1957. 15
This position
was designed to provide for Colonel Kieffer, and for those officers who
would later occuvy the space, a period of orientation und observation
preparatory to assumption of command of Task Croup 7.4 upon its activation.
The new commander of Task Group 7.4 would automatically assume
the command of the 4950th Test Gro.p (thiclear).
B.
OPERATIONS
During the RRDWING/HARDT’.CK interim planning period, the Operations
Directorate was enga-ed in the conduct of air support for Operation
PLUMBBOBR at the Nevada Test Site,
‘Several HARDIACK planning actions
were accomplished, however,
Planning Schedule.
The Joint Task Force SEVEN tentative planning
schedule for HARDTACK was published on 27 November 1956,2°
The cover
letter to the schedule advised that, because of a lack of firm information, the schedule wes based upon the assumption (1) that the scope of
HARDTAGK would be :irilar to bui vreater than that of Opereiion ReNWING
and (2) taout
he first detonation of Oner.tion HAR.WACK wold cecur on
1 vay 1953,
A
AFWL/ HQ
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apa: